I just read about an 11 yo enrolled at Texas Christian University! Wow! Isn't that amazing?!?!
I'd like to know ore about this kiddo. Not only was he (and his brother) steered in the right direction, in a good environment, he is still being allowed to be a child (games, friends, etc).
How many other children (anywhere) have a gift or talent but fall through the cracks due to lack of challenge, resources, etc?
Any child who is allowed/able to blossom to full potential is thanks to more than his/her parents ... credit (and responsibility) lays at feet of all: family, schools, and community as a whole.
All children have a basic right to such opportunities, yet we still exist in an inherently racist, classist society, denying the human right to a culturally competent, well-balanced education and the necessary resources/environment in which to flourish!
Clearly he went to private school, and that means being able to pay (an often) steep tuition. The average family cannot afford such an opportunity!
That's where the school district comes into play, investing in: students, appropriate/balanced training for teachers, provide wrap-around services, partner with other entities (public, private, nonprofit) to make it a reality, and most importantly outreach (aka community engagement) with students/families and community to learn what is needed/wanted and work on delivering the same ... instead of sinking money into exorbitant salaries for high-level administrators.
Finally, priority needs to be given to students in Title I schools, at least until there is true equality in their education.
Article: TCU admits 11-year-old boy genius to study quantum physics
In August, Hyde Park Market, Deli and Organic Grocery removed about 20 international flags that hung from the storefront awning after the city found the flags to be out of code.
A code violation has forced Hyde Park Market, Deli and Organic Grocery to remove about 20 international flags that have hung from the store's awning for the past five years.
An anonymous citizen's complaint about the flags on June 17 led the city of Austin to investigate whether the flags at the eclectic convenience store, which sells everything from craft beer and chocolates to tools and hardware, violated city code. An investigation found that the flags were out of compliance, "as the only sign on the property that has a permit is the Shell sign," according to city documents.
Hyde Park Market owner Tony Hooman said he disagrees with the city's claim that the flags should be classified as "signs." However, he took down the flags in August after the city threatened him with a $2,000 per day fine if he did not remove them.
"The city has so much to mess with, and I can't believe they spent the energy, time and tax dollars to come after me for this," Hooman said.
Hooman said he is meeting with an attorney over how to proceed with the issue. Also, an electronic petition is being circulated among Hyde Park and Hancock residents showing support for the flags.
"This is another example of Austin getting a little less weird," Hyde Park resident Tom Schneider said. "Soon enough, every store will be the same and there won't be anything special [about Austin]."
Meanwhile, Hooman is looking to add between 200–300 taps of beer and a beer garden at Hyde Park Market. Hooman has been meeting with local neighborhood groups about the expansion plan before filing paperwork with the city, he said.
"It's crucial that we are all in one boat and able to communicate so no one has feelings that they weren't involved," he said. "If it wasn't for [neighborhood residents], nothing would be here."
Related article: Daily Texan "Hyde Park Flag Store forced to take down all of its flags"